The 8 unmissable trade fairs of 2020 (I)

2020 is going to be packed with events related to business, technology and startups. Three sectors that for years have walked hand in hand to further development and innovation around the world. Here we bring you this year’s program of fairs, conferences and meetings that will be held in the city of Barcelona. Grab a pen and paper and take note!

1. Advanced Factories – Annual meeting of industry leaders

• 3–5 March

Advanced Factories is another of the technology world’s leading trade fairs. This summit, which takes place at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), brings together the most innovative companies in industrial automation, robotics, machinery and digital manufacturing to discuss new business models, new production processes and the implementation of Industry 4.0.

Taking place at the same time is the Industry 4.0 Congress, “the largest European congress on industrial innovation where leading international experts provide the keys to implementing new business models and delve into the most advanced technological trends around Advanced Industry,” as stated on their website.

The fair also boasts more enjoyable activities, such as a lunch with industry leaders known as the Leadership Summit, and the Talent Marketplace, a space with exhibitions about new jobs related to Industry 4.0. There will also be seminars, presentations on the latest developments in the sector, and the now customary Factories of the Future Awards Gala, “which recognises work and excellence in the manufacturing industry.”

2. eShow/eFintech Show – Professional E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Fair and Conference

• 31 March to 1 April

The eShow/eFintech Show Barcelona will be held in Pavilion 1 of Fira de Barcelona, an unmissable event for anyone who is eager for knowledge on the most innovative strategies in the trade and digital marketing sector, as well as the latest solutions in technologies and services. Over just two days, up to 12,100 professionals, 350 speakers, 130 exhibitors, 225 activities and 4,8000 meetings will come together to present the most effective tools and solutions for online business success.

The event also provides the opportunity to network with professionals in online marketing, logistics, social media, eCommerce, web positioning (SEO and SEM), Online Digital Marketing, and other areas. To ensure that nobody gets lost among the endless options, the organisers have put the Visitor Experience Programme mobile application at the fingertips of attendees with the purchase of a ticket.

And for big companies that want to increase or diversify sales, or micro-enterprises and SMEs without a website, the Marketplace Circus is being made available. This space is designed for presentations and talks, and as a place for the sector’s leading manufacturers and businesses to meet, whether they are startups or have many years of experience.

3. Retail and Brand Experience World Congress

• 12–14 May

Retail also has a place in Fira de Barcelona. Barcelona has been heralded as one of the ten most attractive European cities for international retail. Based on this context, the city welcomes the Retail and Brand Experience World Congress, an event that brings together the ecosystems of retail and brands. Last year boasted 210 speakers, 120 sessions and 40 workshops, in addition to 5,500 visitors, 168 exhibitors and 20 networking activities.

The event is spread across a Congress, a Startup Village and a Trade Show. Last year the Congress focused on the generation gap, where the impact of new generations on consumption patterns was analysed. No sector was left unexplored: fashion and accessories, travel, beauty, electronics, decoration and furniture, sports and training, and many more.

In addition, the Startup Village attracts newly created companies from the retail market. “New markets, new models, new content, new points of reference,” as it states on the website. And finally, there is the Trade Show, an initiative that aims to bring together “retailers and brand owners in an experiential space to see, feel and test the innovations that are transforming the ways we sell and understand business”.

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